The Gold Series Vegas Strip Blackjack game is one of a plethora of blackjack variations that has been developed by Microgaming, a name that clearly needs no introduction in the world of online gaming software. The life-like atmosphere, punctuated by music and ambient sound, along with state-of-the-art graphics, and player options, make this a casino experience that will keep you coming back.

Though this version itself is one that should be familiar to most players, there is so much customization in this game that it actually BEATS any experience in a brick and mortar casino. If you want to engage in :"Autoplay," which essentially automates certain aspects of play, you can... Read Full Review

You can pick any combination of sounds from the a la carte menu. You can make use of strategy charts that are available. You can choose any speed you like, from Slow to Medium to Fast to Fastest, depending on how comfortable you are with the game.

And to get you more comfortable, there is a complete "Help" section, which will tell you everything you need to know about this brand of blackjack.

The game is played with four decks of 52 playing cards apiece. After each round of play the cards are shuffled; something known as the "random" shuffle.

The object of the game, just as it is in almost all forms of blackjack, is to beat the dealer by achieving a total of 21 or under that is higher than the dealer's total, or by staying under a total of 21 while the dealer "busts" (exceeds 21).

In this game the dealer will check his hole card when having an Ace or ten-value card showing. Only when the dealer shows and Ace will the player have the opportunity to take "insurance," which amounts to half the original bet, and for which a winning result pays 2-to-1.

Splitting is allowed, and that includes splitting two cards that have the same numerical value, such as a Jack and a Queen. You have the option of splitting up to three times, making a total of four hands that can be played as a result of utilizing the splitting option. The exception to this is split Aces. Furthermore, split aces that have a ten hit them are not considered to be "blackjacks" (which constitute a 3-to-2 payoff), but are merely "21." Of course that also applies to ten-value cards that are hit with an Ace.

In addition, doubling down after splitting is available. This is a nice option for the player, and something that is not available in many variations of blackjack.